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Govt considering leasing Gwadar port to private sector

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan is considering the idea of leasing out Gwadar port to private parties for a period of 25 to 30 years.

Two companies expressed their interest in this regard, sources told Daily Times. ‘Singapore and Globe Marine’ and another company sent their applications to the ministry of shipping, sources added.

Sources said that two foreign firms including Deputy Little and Halcro offered their services as consultants to work out the operational method and framing rules for the private sector. Applications from good firms will be considered and a decision will be made soon to initiate the project.

National Highway Authority (NHA) had started construction work, in accordance with the orders of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, to link the coastal highway and Gwadar. The west bay harbour will be linked to the coastal highway within two months. It will take some time, however, to build a road from east bay because residential areas were delaying the process. Rs 200 million were provided to departments concerned to achieve this target. Sources said that a road was being made in Turbat to link Chamman and the coastal highway. online